Preparing for Hurricanes

Hurricane Season is here from June 1 to November 30. Now is the time to prepare for the arrival of a hurricane. Remember that if a storm hits our area, you must be prepared to be on your own for the first 72 hours. During this time, City crews will be very busy trying to clear primary roads and restore order. It is your responsibility to be prepared to be on your own for the first three days after a storm without water, electricity and any other modern convenience.

The following information will assist you in your preparations for the arrival of a hurricane.

To Do List:

Prepare a household hurricane plan of action

Learn the storm surge history and flood zones of your area

Learn safe routes inland

Determine where to move your boat in an emergency

Check for loose rain gutters and down spouts

Check insurance coverage

Secure your home

Check first aid kit

Obtain plastic containers for storage of important papers, valuables and medical supplies

People with special needs requiring evacuation assistance should register in advance with Miami-Dade County by calling 311

If you have a generator, keep it maintained year round. To keep moisture out of gas, start your generator monthly

Check your electrical meter. Make sure that the pipe connecting cable into your home is securely attached

Trim tree limbs. Call FPL to trim trees near power lines

Prepare hurricane supplies

Hurricane Supply Checklist:

Portable cooler with ice

Canned/pre-packaged goods (non-perishable), two-week supply

Canned/pre-packaged beverages (non-perishable), two-week supply

Baby foods/juices/milk (non-perishable), two-week supply

Baby diapers, two-week supply

Bottled water, two gallons per person, per day

Manual can opener and disposable eating utensils

First Aid kit/manual

Medicines, two-week supply

Toiletries/personal hygiene items/toilet paper/soap, two-week supply

Pillow, blanket or sleeping bag

Towels, washcloths

Extra clothing

Portable radio/extra batteries

Flashlights, extra batteries

Fire extinguisher

Basic tool kit (hammer, nails, etc.)

Birth and marriage certificates

Medical and immunization records

Insurance policies (property, health/dental)

ID cards (drivers license, Medicare, health/dental member cards)

Cards/games/books

When a Hurricane Threatens…

A Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles and hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.

When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued…

Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio

Stay tuned to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins and info about shelter locations

Board up garage and porch doors

Move valuables to upper floors

Bring in pets

Fill container (bathtub) with several days of supply of water

Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and only open when necessary

Use phone only for emergencies

Make arrangements with friends or family if you will need to evacuate

If you stay in your home during a hurricane...

Take refuge in a small, interior room without windows, or in a closet or hallway. Close all interior doors

Beware of the hurricane eye. When the eye passes, wind and rain may stop anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. The wind will then suddenly begin again from the opposite direction

If you are in an evacuation area LEAVE...

Miami-Dade County recommends that all residents east of Ingraham Highway and Old Cutler Road should evacuate for hurricanes of Category 2 or greater

Residents of high-rise buildings should also consider evacuating. Storm surge can cause erosion that might undermine the supports of the building

High-rise buildings are susceptible to conditions that can cause uncontrollable fires. Unless your high-rise has an emergency generator, the elevator will not work in a power failure

Some emergency generators will run lights only and will not power the elevators. Leave early-in daylight if possible

Shut off water and electricity at main stations and turn off gas appliances

Eat before leaving; shelters may not serve food for the first 24 hours

Take hurricane supplies

If you have pets, take them to a kennel or a friend, or prepare a "safe room" for the pet. Shelters will not accept pets. ("Safe room" should be an interior closet or bathroom. Place towel or blanket in a corner and leave plenty of food and water.) Lock up house